Portable pumping system

ABSTRACT

A portable fluid pump including a frame; a first fuel reservoir having a first upper boundary; a second fuel reservoir having a second upper boundary; an engine disposed laterally between the first and second fuel reservoirs; and a pump disposed laterally between the first and second reservoirs. The pump includes an intake pipe having a central axis; the central axis passing through a first point that is located less than two inches above the first upper boundary.

PRIORITY

The present application is a non-provisional application that claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/707,346, titled PORTABLE PUMPING SYSTEM WITH OPTIONAL SOUND ATTENUATING ENCLOSURE, filed Sep. 28, 2012, the disclosure of which is explicitly incorporated herein.

The present disclosure relates to portable pumping systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a portable pumping system providing a compact and efficient package.

Pumping systems including a pump/engine combination supported on a skid can be utilized for pumping fluid in a variety of locations and circumstances. For example, portable pumping units may be used in agriculture, construction, food processing, mining, oil and gas, and a variety of municipal and industrial applications. In certain applications, a centrifugal pump is powered by a diesel engine supported on a frame, with the frame being supported by at least one axle and an associated pair of wheels.

In certain applications, sound attenuation is desired and/or required. In other circumstances, sound attenuation is not needed. In the past, manufacturers of portable pumps sold sound attenuated pumps as well as open or unattenuated pumps. The open systems have the advantage of easy access for maintenance of the pump and motor, while the sound attenuated pump and motor combinations present difficulties with accessing for maintenance owing to the cover structure utilized to attenuate sound emanating from the pump and motor combination.

Additionally, fuel tanks are often provided on the pumping units to power the engine. Such fuel tanks, when loaded, possess a moveable liquid load that has the potential to significantly impact the center of mass for the entire package. In that the packages are portable, a lower center of mass provides increased stability for the package. Thus, fuel tanks are often placed low with the engine and pump on top of the fuel tanks This places the pump at a relatively high position. Such a high position increases the draw that must be created by the pump to pump liquid therethrough relative to lower positions.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an optional sound attenuation package which may be easily removed to create an open configuration where sound attenuation is not required and/or where access to the pump and motor combination is desired for, e.g., maintenance purposes.

According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a portable fluid pump is provided including a frame; a first fuel reservoir having a first upper boundary; a second fuel reservoir having a second upper boundary; an engine disposed laterally between the first and second fuel reservoirs; and a pump disposed laterally between the first and second reservoirs. The pump includes an intake pipe having a central axis; the central axis passing through a first point that is located less than two inches above the first upper boundary.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a portable fluid pump is provided including: a frame; a first fuel reservoir having a first upper boundary; a second fuel reservoir having a second upper boundary; an engine disposed laterally between the first and second fuel reservoirs; a pump disposed laterally between the first and second reservoirs; and a housing enclosing the frame, first and second fuel reservoirs, engine, and pump. The pump including an intake pipe that is located between the first and second fuel reservoirs such a lower edge of the intake pipe is vertically below a top edge of one of the first and second fuel reservoirs and is horizontally between the first and second reservoirs such that a line can be drawn that intersects both fuel reservoirs and the lower edge of the intake pipe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of the disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a rear perspective view of an exemplary first embodiment portable pump;

FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the exemplary first embodiment portable pump of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of the exemplary first embodiment portable pump with an upper shroud removed;

FIG. 2B is a front perspective view of the exemplary first embodiment portable pump with the upper shroud removed.

FIG. 3A is a perspective partially exploded view of the shroud and frame of a second embodiment portable pump;

FIG. 3B is a perspective partially exploded view of the lower frame of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an plan front end view of the lower frame of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of attachment points located on the lower shroud;

FIG. 5 is a rear end plan view of the first embodiment pump of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the upper shroud of the first embodiment pump of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 7 is a rear partially cut-away view of the upper shroud of the first embodiment pump of FIG. 1B; and

FIGS. 8A-B are perspective views of extended and refracted hitch positions of the first embodiment pump of FIG. 1A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a portable pump assembly 8 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The first embodiment pump assembly 8 comprises sound attenuating enclosure 9, frame 56, engine 18, pump 20, radiator 28, muffler 58, trailer tongue 60, wheels 108, and other parts discussed below.

The sound attenuating enclosure 9 of the present disclosure comprises a shroud formed by upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 and lower sound attenuating enclosure 12. The Shroud generally provides an outer housing that encloses most of the rest of the components of pump assembly 8.

Lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 is also referred to as a “belly pan”. Lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 includes opening 14 sized to allow suction pipe 16 entrance into the sound attenuating enclosure. In use, a gasket may be positioned between suction pipe 16 and opening 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 includes a pair of access doors 24 hingedly connected to opposing sides of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10. As illustrated in FIG. 2, access doors 24 may be supported in an open position by pneumatic cylinders 26. In use, access doors 24 provide easy access to the components of the pumping system contained within the sound attenuating shroud, including engine 18 and pump 20. Doors 24 further include upper portions 70 and lower portions 72. Upper and lower portions 70, 72 are hinged relative to each other. Upper and lower portions 70, 72 combine with upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 and pneumatic cylinders 26 to form a four bar linkage. The four bar linkage proscribes a closed lowered position shown on the right side of FIG. 5 and a raised position shown in FIG. 7. Movement of the four bar linkage to the raised position causes “folding” of lower portion 72 to a position that orients it substantially parallel and abutting upper portion 70. Accordingly, clear sight lines and access is provided to the interior of sound attenuating enclosure 9 when door 24 is in the raised position. The movement of the four bar linkage also proscribes that movement of the distal end lower portions 72 out of the lowered position does not proscribe an arc about a fixed pivot point, but rather initially has more of a vertical component than that afforded by rotation around a fixed pivot point. As shown in FIG. 5, fender 74 and wheel 76 are laterally adjacent lower portions 72. Accordingly, the movement of the four bar linkage allows lower portions 72 to raise without interference from fender 74 or wheel 76. The four bar linkage thus allows access while also allowing portable pump assembly 8 to assume a lower position relative to fender 74 and wheel 76, thereby allowing a lower center of mass and improved stability. Left side lower portion 72 includes a cut-out area that is sized and shaped to engage a frame portion that receives discharge pipe 22. Accordingly, left side door 24 can be opened and closed without disturbing discharge pipe 22 and while maintaining operation of portable pump assembly 8.

Upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 also includes enclosure removal hooks 42 and grates 78. The sound attenuating shroud of the present disclosure is designed so that minimal disconnection steps are required to remove upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 from lower sound attenuating enclosure 12. Wiring connections employ quick disconnects and the bolts connecting upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 to lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 are easily removed using simple tools. With upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 disconnected from lower sound attenuating enclosure 12, a crane may be connected to enclosure removal hooks 42 to lift upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 from the remainder of the assembly. Grates 78 are positioned in the upper surface of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10. Grates 78 are located to allow air intake for radiator 28 and located over muffler 58.

FIGS. 2A-B illustrate pump assembly 8 with upper enclosure 10 removed. With upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 removed, pump 20 and engine 18 radiator 28, and muffler 58 are more readily viewable. Similarly, removal of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 provides easier access for any individual wishing to work on portable pump assembly 8. It should also be appreciated that pump assembly 8 mounted on wheeled axle mount 68 is shown. However, embodiments are envisioned where portable pump assembly 8 is mounted on modular skid attachment having forklift tubes defined therein.

With upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 removed, lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 is more fully shown. Lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 includes attachment feature 30 and upper enclosure mounting tabs 32. Alignment and attachment feature 30 is utilized to index upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 to lower sound attenuating enclosure 12. As illustrated on FIG. 2A and 4, lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 includes a plurality of enclosure registering stops 30, only one of which is illustrated in FIG. 4 for simplicity. Upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 includes a lower perimeter sized to fit about the perimeter of lower sound attenuating enclosure 12. Enclosure registering stops 30 extend from the perimeter of lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 such that they present a shoulder which impedes further downward movement of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 relative to lower sound attenuating enclosure 12. In this way, enclosure registering stops 30 index upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 relative to lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 to the final position illustrated, e.g., in FIGS. 1A&B. In this position, upper enclosure mounting tabs 32 (FIG. 4) can be utilized to secure upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 to lower sound attenuating enclosure 12.

Upper enclosure mounting tabs 32 are illustrated in detail in FIG. 4. Upper enclosure mounting tabs 32 are formed as cutout tabs through a wall of lower sound attenuating enclosure 12. The cutout defining each upper enclosure mounting tab 32 creates a space in which movement along a first axis A₁ is allowed. Further, each upper enclosure mounting tab 32 is resilient along axis A₂ which is perpendicular to axis A₁. Toward the interior of lower sound attenuating enclosure 12, a weld nut is secured to each upper enclosure mounting tab 32 such that the thread of the interior of the weld nut is aligned with aperture of each upper enclosure mounting tab 32. The movement allowed by each upper enclosure mounting tab 32 facilitates securement of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 to lower sound attenuating enclosure 12. Specifically, upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 includes a plurality of apertures through which lag bolts 64 can be positioned to engage the weld nuts secured to each upper enclosure mounting tab 32. Owning to the size of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10, and the number of connection points, it is difficult to simultaneously align all of the securement apertures in upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 with the corresponding apertures in lower sound attenuating enclosure 12. The moveability of upper enclosure mounting tabs 32 in lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 greatly facilitates this process.

Owing to the modularity of the present design, the upper and lower sound attenuating enclosures may be used simultaneously, or independently of each other. In certain circumstances, the lower sound attenuating enclosure may be utilized without upper sound attenuating enclosure, e.g., in oil transport applications in which it is highly desirable to shield the pump and piping connections from the ground beneath. Similarly, the upper sound attenuating enclosure may be utilized by itself in cases where the components of the system are sought to be shielded from the environment, e.g., precipitation. Finally, the two components may be utilized together where sound attenuation is desired. To further facilitate shielding from precipitation, rain caps 80 are utilized for certain upwardly exposed items.

Enclosure 9 couples to and surrounds frame 56 as shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3B, frame 56 includes base frame 82, bail 84, and muffler mount 86. Base frame 83 includes lateral fuel tubes 44, mounting structures 88, outer structure 90, and bail mount 92. Fuel tubes 44 contain fuel tanks which will store fuel to power engine 18. In the present embodiment, fuel tubes 44 are connected so as to provide a single fuel reservoir. Fuel tubes 44 are supplied with fuel via fuel supply neck 94. Mounting structures 88 provide surfaces and apertures that mate with other mounting structures to secure engine 18, pump 20 and other internal parts thereto. Outer structure 90 provides boundaries and lateral support for fuel tubes 44. One end of outer structure 90 includes opening 14 that receives suction pipe 16 therethrough. Bail mount 92 provides surfaces and apertures that receive and secure to bail 84. Bail mount 92 provides that bail 84 is mounted to and extends upward from a position that is laterally interior of fuel tubes 44, FIG. 3C.

Bail 84 includes left and right legs 96 and hook 98. Left and right legs 96 form an A-frame and secure to bail mount 92. Left and right legs 96 attach to each other to form an interior opening in which engine 18, pump 20 and other pieces can be located. Hook 98 is secured to the top of left and right legs 96 and provides a structure that extends out the top of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10. Hook 98 includes a plurality of apertures that allow for portable pump assembly 8 to be lifted via crane via attachment thereto. Muffler mount 86 is a substantially horizontally extending surface to which muffler 58 (and muffler tray 100) are mounted.

Engine 18 and pump 20 are positioned within sound attenuating enclosure 9. In the present design, the pump and engine are not positioned atop the fuel tank(s) as in prior designs, but rather are positioned between lateral fuel tubes 44. Utilizing fuel tubes 44 as part of the skid itself and positioning engine 18 and pump 20 between fuel tubes 44 provide a number of advantages. For example, this construction reduces the overall height of the unit, lowers the center of gravity of the unit, and lowers the suction side of the pump which facilitates an increase in net positive suction head available (NPSHA). Further, lowering the intake decreases the risk of cavitation at the impeller of a centrifugal pump.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the center of suction pipe 16 (central axis 120) is below the level of upper surface 102 of lateral fuel tubes 44. In previous designs where suction pipe 16 is mounted on top of gas tanks, the centerline of suction pipe 16 (when suction pipe 16 is a four inch inner diameter pipe) was at least two inches plus the pipe wall thickness above the top of the fuel tank. Accordingly, split fuel tubes 44 allow a lower suction pipe 16 height while keeping fuel tubes 44 in abutment with floor 122 of frame 56. Split fuel tubes 44 further maintain an even fuel weight distribution laterally and front-to-back.

Suction pipe 16 is fluidly connected to pump 20 which is in further fluid communication with discharge pipe 22. In one embodiment that utilizes enclosure 9, the discharge pipe extends along a left side to exit enclosure 9 through aperture 50 (FIG. 3A) defined front end 52 of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 of pump assembly 8. In another embodiment shown in Figs. lA-C and 6, discharge pipe 22 exits enclosure 9 through exit aperture 40 at least partially defined in door 24 of left side of upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 and also defined in lower sound attenuating enclosure 12.

In one exemplary embodiment, pump 20 comprises a centrifugal pump. Referring to FIG. 2A, discharge pipe 22 includes check valve 36. Downstream of check valve 36 is pipe spool 38, which extends through exit aperture 40 (FIG. 1) in lower sound attenuating enclosure 12 to provide an outlet outside of the sound attenuating shroud.

Muffler 58 muffles engine noise and also provides an outlet for heat and exhaust. As shown in FIGS. 2A&B, muffler 58 is mounted within muffler tray 100 and on muffler mount 86. Muffler 58 is mounted near the top of portable pump assembly 8 to facilitate disposal of the heat and exhaust. Enclosure 9 provides a compact package such that heat has the potential to build up therein. Accordingly, muffler 58 is located within muffler tray 100. Muffler tray 100 is illustratively metal and includes insulation in one embodiment. Muffler tray 100 reflects some heat from muffler 58 and redirects it upwards. As previously noted, upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 includes grate 78 above muffler 58. Accordingly, heat is able to readily dissipate upwards through grate 78.

Pump assembly 8 is designed with the expectation that it will be used outside and subjected to weather. Grate 78 above muffler 58 provides an opening where precipitation can enter sound attenuating enclosure 9. Muffler tray 100 further provides a barrier to such precipitation and prevents it from coming into contact with other parts of portable pump assembly 8. Muffler tray 100 has an angled floor that guides precipitation (such as rainwater) to an exit hole (not shown). A hose is connected to the exit hole to channel the rainwater down and out below portable pump assembly 8. Accordingly, muffler 58 is able to readily dissipate heat through open grate 78 and also prevent precipitation from having unmitigated access to components within sound attenuating enclosure 9.

In one embodiment, muffler tray 100 not only isolates exhaust and heat of muffler 58, but also contains other items, for example diesel particulate filters (DPF) which may be utilized in connection with Tier 4 engines.

As shown in FIG. 1A, upper sound attenuating enclosure 10 also has a hole 104 in its upper side that receives hook 98 therethrough. Hole 104 also presents an intrusion point for precipitation. Accordingly, tray 106 (FIG. 2A&B) is provided. Tray 106 is sized to have a perimeter that is larger than hole 104 such that precipitation that enters through hole 104 is received by tray 106. Tray 106 also has an angled floor and an exit aperture. The exit aperture directs precipitation into muffler tray 100 where it is managed along with any precipitation directly received into muffler tray 100.

Wheeled axle mount 68 of the portable pumping assembly 8 includes a pair of wheels 108 supporting frame 56 so that the unit can be easily transported from one location to another. Further, an end of the unit includes trailer tongue 60 for selective securement to a hitch. Shown in FIGS. 8A&B, tongue 60 utilized with the present disclosure is collapsible so that the unit can be easily transported in other ways, e.g., on a flatbed truck, for example. Referring to FIGS. 8A&B, trailer tongue 60 includes tongue mount 110, first arm 112, second arm 114, hitch mount 116, and removable bolts 118. Tongue mount 110 is fixedly coupled to frame 56. First and second arms are coupled to tongue mount 110 via bolts 118. First and second arms 112, 114 are also hingedly coupled to hitch mount 116. When both bolts 118 engage first and second arms 112, 114 as shown in FIG. 8B, the orientation of trailer tongue 60 is fixed and provides for portable pump assembly 8 to be attached to a hitch.

Upon removal of one bolt 118, the arms of the tongue can be collapsed and rotated, with first arm 112 being folded toward second arm 114 and finally second arm 114 being folded toward tongue mount 110 to collapse arms 112, 114 against the tongue mount 110. The removed bolt 118 is then placed through apertures in tongue mount 110 and second arm 114 to secure trailer tongue 60 in the collapsed position. The collapsed position of trailer tongue 60 provides a more compact orientation thereof.

Enclosure 9 may further be utilized to preserve heat within the pumping unit in extremely cold environments. Specifically, an external heat source termed “heat module” is connected to an exterior of the sound attenuating enclosure 9 and ducted to the interior of sound attenuating enclosure 9. This heating module could comprise a separate diesel system functioning to keep the pump warm while it is not running so that very cold environments, e.g., environments of −40° F. will not adversely impact the functionality of the portable pumping system of the present disclosure. In this way, the sound attenuating shroud functions like an igloo to preserve heat within the device.

While this invention has been described as having preferred designs, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable fluid pump including: a frame; a first fuel reservoir having a first upper boundary; a second fuel reservoir having a second upper boundary; an engine disposed laterally between the first and second fuel reservoirs; and a pump disposed laterally between the first and second reservoirs; the pump including an intake pipe having a central axis; the central axis passing through a first point that is located less than two inches above the first upper boundary.
 2. The pump of claim 1, wherein the first point is between the first and second reservoirs such that a line can be drawn through the first point that intersects the first and second reservoirs.
 3. The pump of claim 1, wherein the first fuel reservoir is in fluid communication with the second fuel reservoir.
 4. The pump of claim 1, wherein the first and second upper boundaries define a common height.
 5. The pump of claim 1, wherein the first and second reservoirs are mounted directly on a floor of the frame.
 6. The pump of claim 1, further including an enclosure that surrounds the frame, fuel reservoirs, engine, and pump, the enclosure including an upper enclosure and lower enclosure.
 7. The pump of claim 6, the upper enclosure being readily removable from the lower enclosure and having a first use position in which the upper enclosure is coupled to the lower enclosure and a second use position in which the upper enclosure is uncoupled from the lower enclosure.
 8. The pump of claim 7, wherein the upper enclosure includes a grate positioned to be vertically aligned with a muffler.
 9. The pump of claim 8, wherein the muffler is located within a muffler tray on all sides except the upper side formed by the grate.
 10. The pump of claim 9, wherein the muffler tray includes a fluid outlet operable to provide egress to fluid that enters the muffler tray.
 11. The pump of claim 1, further including a tongue operable to secure the pump to a vehicle; the tongue having a first use position and a second collapsed position.
 12. The pump of claim 11, wherein the tongue rotates between the first use position and the second collapsed position, the tongue being selectively fixable in both the first use position and the second collapsed position.
 13. A portable fluid pump including: a frame; a first fuel reservoir having a first upper boundary; a second fuel reservoir having a second upper boundary; an engine disposed laterally between the first and second fuel reservoirs; a pump disposed laterally between the first and second reservoirs; the pump including an intake pipe that is located between the first and second fuel reservoirs such a lower edge of the intake pipe is vertically below a top edge of one of the first and second fuel reservoirs and is horizontally between the first and second reservoirs such that a line can be drawn that intersects both fuel reservoirs and the lower edge of the intake pipe; and a housing enclosing the frame, first and second fuel reservoirs, engine, and pump.
 14. The pump of claim 13, wherein the first fuel reservoir is in fluid communication with the second fuel reservoir.
 15. The pump of claim 13, wherein the first and second reservoirs are mounted directly on a floor of the frame.
 16. The pump of claim 13, the housing including an upper enclosure readily removable from a lower enclosure and having a first use position in which the upper enclosure is coupled to the lower enclosure and a second use position in which the upper enclosure is uncoupled from the lower enclosure.
 17. The pump of claim 16, wherein the upper enclosure includes a grate positioned to be vertically aligned with a muffler.
 18. The pump of claim 17, wherein the muffler is located within a muffler tray on all sides except the upper side formed by the grate.
 19. The pump of claim 13, further including a tongue operable to secure the pump to a vehicle; the tongue having a first use position and a second collapsed position.
 20. The pump of claim 19, wherein the tongue rotates between the first use position and the second collapsed position, the tongue being selectively fixable in both the first use position and the second collapsed position. 